Next to the blotter lay four thick evidence volumes, stacked neatly in steel ring binders.

I reached out, took the top cover between my thumb and fingers, and closed the heavy black binder labeled Final Hearing Evidence.

The brass hands of the wall clock in Family Courtroom 402 pointed exactly to nine as Cole’s attorney, Arthur Vance, stepped up to the mahogany lectern.

Cole sat three feet away across the center aisle in a tailored charcoal suit, his thumbs moving in tiny, steady circles over his platinum cuff links.

“Your Honor, my client has maintained standard financial oversight throughout this entire separation,” Vance began, resting his palms flat on the wood.